Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple – Bali Hindu Clifftop Temple

Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu clifftop temple set on the cliff bank in south part of Bali Peninsula. Furthermore, it is one of Sad Kahyangan Temple in Bali (six big groups of Bali Temples). Meanwhile, this temple is located in Pecatu Village, Sub district of South Kuta, and Badung Regency or about 25 Km southerly part of Denpasar town. The temple is standing on the coral reef sordid to sea about 80 meters above the sea level. Uluwatu Temple features with a small dry forest where local people call it by Alas Kekeran (interdict forest). In addition, there are three group of monkeys dwelling this forest as well as other animals like birth. Name of Uluwatu was come from the word of Ulu and Watu. Hence, Ulu means the head and Watu means the stone. Therefore, Uluwatu Temple mean the temple built in tip of coral reef.

Uluwatu Hindu – Bali Hindu Clifftop Temple on Story

Uluwatu Temple Sunset

There are two stone mangers that look like a boat located in the right and left of temple building. When both of mangers are united, hence it’s look similar to sarcophagus, the famous stone from megalithic era. Furthermore, there is an archaeology omission in year of 16 centuries in firm of arch or winged entrance gate. Winged entrance gate is one of the scarce archaeology omissions. Moreover, winged entrance gate of Uluwatu Temple (a period of its making) can be compared with the same one located in mosque complex in Sendang Duwur Village at Lamongan Region, East Java. Moreover, the making period of this winged is relevant with the year Candrasengkala found at this inscription. Candrasengkala founded in the mosque is written by the wording of Gunaning Salira Tirta Hayu. It means year 1483 Saka or 1561 Masehi.

In addition, Uluwatu Temple represents as a sanctified place since the era of megalithic culture (About 500 S.M). It is because, the assumption from the sarcophagus found at Dalem Jurit complex area represents the artifact. Meanwhile, the papyrus of Usana Bali mentions that Mpu Kuturan (The Hindu Priest who spread out the Hinduism in Bali) had built a lot of temples in this island and one of them Uluwatu Temple.

Uluwatu Temple in Papyrus of Dwijendra Tatwa

The papyrus of Dwijendra Tatwa has mentioned that Mpu Kuturan visit this temple twice those are:

During his first visit (the journey to visit the holy places), his heart had jolted and heard a soul whisper from the nature. He thought that this place is a good place for worshiping to the God. Therefore, he chose this place as a place for Ngeluwur (re of soul /dead and leaving without body to return to the heaven or Moksa). Pursuant to the consideration, then he set his mind to build a Parhayangan or temple where now it well knows as Uluwatu Temple. Furthermore, when Mpu Kuturan extend the building of Uluwatu Temple, then he build hostel as residence. Afterward, the local people use the ex-hostel building as a shrine and now famous as Gong Hill Temple (Pura Bukit Gong). Mpu Kuturan had completed the building of Parhyangan in Uluwatu Temple in the early 16 century after he lifted become the Purohita (priest of king adviser) for king of Dalem Waturenggong commander in the year 1460-1552 .

Mpu Kuturan on his second visit has reached the nature Moksa. On Tuesday of Kliwon Medangsya (Balinese Calendar). There is a fisherman by name of Ki Pasek Nambangan had witnessed it. He had looked the flash with very bright light up into the space called Ngeluwur.

Uluwatu Temple in Papyrus of Padma Bhuwana

Uluwatu Temple implicit at papyrus of Padma Bhuwana is located in Southwest of the island. It is functioning to worship the Rudra God, one of the god in nine gods (Dewata Nawa Sanga). Rudra God is the Deity Siva as Pemralina or return to provenance. And also, it mentions that Uluwatu Temple is a Kahyangan where all Hindu people to worship at this temple. Since this area is opened for public, then many visitors visit this place every day. The temple is featuring with beautiful panorama with spectacular sunset and stunning view of Indian Ocean as well as deep coral sea underneath. It is a good place to visit during your vacation in this island.

How to Visit Uluwatu Temple?

It is a very easy way to locate this temple where you can reach it by any kind of vehicles. Meanwhile, there is a good road access passing through Jimbaran countryside and go to this temple. Uluwatu is one of the most beautiful Hindu Temples and famous in Bali Island. You can do simple by joining one of the popular Bali Half Day Tours, Uluwatu Temple Tour with Bali Star Island to discover the whole story of this site. And also, you have a change to join Uluwatu Tour Package as your preferable choice on your vacation in Bali.